🌟 Get the Central Oregon Local Buzz VIP Wallet Pass!

✅Add it to your Apple or Google Wallet and never miss a thing!
🎉 Instant event alerts📰 breaking local news, 💥 special VIP perks — all sent right to your phone.

Stay connected. Stay local. Stay in the know. Find it HERE

In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

🚨Crime News

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🏘️💼Real Estate & Business News

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

🌪️Tornadoes in Oregon?!

✅ Answer: C. Willamette Valley

Expanded Answer:
While tornadoes are rare statewide, the Willamette Valley sees the most activity due to its combination of moisture, storm systems, and geography. Even so, most tornadoes are weak and short-lived, and Oregon averages only about 1–2 tornadoes per year.

GOOD MORNING

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT 

 ✨ Central Oregon Wellness Giveaway: A $1,500+ Reset You Don’t Want to Miss

Deadline to enter is Monday April 20th!

Central Oregon wellness community… this one is special ✨

If you’ve been feeling the call to reset, regulate, and reconnect with your clarity — this is your sign. A locally curated wellness giveaway is now open and it’s filled with experiences designed to support your nervous system, embodiment, and intentional living, including:

• Energy Room Sessions + Far-infrared Sauna

• Movement + embodiment classes

• Curated wellness experiences

• Retreat-style self-care bundle (valued over $1,500)

This is for the ones prioritizing:

Alignment.

Capacity.

Clarity.

And a deeper relationship with themselves.

If you’re in Central Oregon and wellness is part of your lifestyle — don’t sleep on this one.

Enter here:

https://soloretreat.co/wellness-giveaway

🌎 Earth Day Sauna + Cold Plunge Experience

• Saturday, April 25, 2026

• 10:30 AM 12:15 PM

• Gather Sauna House - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cBuGSkTcKDbX9HGV8

• https://www.gathersaunahouse.com/events/sauna-for-clean-air-earth-day-event

Celebrate Earth Day in a way that’s both grounding and eye-opening at this unique community event hosted by Gather Sauna House in partnership with Oregonians for Clean Air. The experience blends relaxation with education, diving into the growing conversation around geoengineering and its potential impacts on our environment and health—while highlighting efforts happening locally and beyond to protect our air, water, and soil.

Guests will enjoy one of Central Oregon’s most refreshing outdoor rituals: a guided sauna session paired with a river cold plunge. Along the way, you’ll learn how sauna practices can support the body in releasing toxins and managing everyday stressors. Herbal tea and chlorella—provided by Loving Fungi Apothecary—will also be available to support detox and recovery.

Come for the experience, stay for the connection, and leave feeling recharged, informed, and inspired to take action. Plus, 50% of proceeds will support Oregonians for Clean Air and their ongoing work to protect the region’s air quality.

HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?

Click here to let us know about your upcoming Event!

Event Sources:

Deschutes Public Library Events

Visit Central Oregon Event Listings

Bend Magazine Event Listings

Visit Redmond Event Listings

Local News

 🚦 Bend Launches Traffic Cameras — Warnings Start Now, Tickets Coming Soon

Drivers in Bend may notice a little extra enforcement at key intersections starting this week. The City of Bend and Bend Police have officially launched a new automated traffic enforcement program, with cameras now live at SE Reed Market & Third Street, NE Neff & 27th Street, and U.S. Business 97 & Powers Road—areas selected due to higher crash rates and ongoing community concerns.

For the next 30 days, drivers caught speeding or running red lights (including rolling through right turns) will receive warning notices in the mail as part of a grace period that began April 15. After May 15, those same violations will result in citations. Officials say the goal is simple: reduce crashes and improve safety for everyone on Bend’s roads, with clearly posted signage already in place to alert drivers approaching camera-equipped intersections.

 🏥 Warm Springs Health Center Upgrades Underway, Completion Targeted for 2027

Upgrades are now underway at the Warm Springs Health & Wellness Center, with crews beginning renovation work aimed at modernizing the facility and improving care for the community. The project is expected to continue over the next year, with full completion targeted for 2027. (Madras Pioneer)

The improvements are part of a broader effort to expand and update the aging facility to better meet growing healthcare needs. Plans include upgraded systems and enhanced functionality throughout the building, helping ensure the center can continue serving the Warm Springs community well into the future. (smokesignals.org)

 💧 Prineville Secures Year-Long Water Supply with Underground Storage System

Prineville officials say the city is in a strong position heading into the dry season, thanks to its aquifer storage and recharge system, which has effectively banked about a year’s worth of water supply. The system captures and stores excess water underground during wetter months, creating a reliable reserve that can be tapped during peak summer demand. (Central Oregonian)

City leaders say the approach not only strengthens drought resilience but also supports continued growth, including residential use and large employers like data centers. By investing in long-term water storage infrastructure, Prineville has positioned itself as one of the more water-secure communities in Central Oregon, even as regional concerns about drought continue.

 🌲 Sisters Ranger District Hosting Open House on Forest Plans

The Sisters Ranger District is inviting the public to an open house on Thursday, April 23, offering a chance to learn about upcoming forest management plans and projects for the year ahead. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the ranger station on North Pine Street, with doors opening at 5 p.m. for attendees to drop in and connect with staff. (The Nugget Newspaper)

Visitors can expect presentations and small-group discussions covering topics like vegetation management, trail and campground updates, prescribed burning plans, and what to expect for the upcoming fire season. The event will also include an optional tour of the new ranger station, giving the community a closer look at local operations and future priorities. (The Nugget Newspaper)

🗳️ Commissioner Candidate Forum Gives Voters a Chance to Hear from Local Leaders

April 30 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Open Space Event Studios

220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR 97701 United States

A Deschutes County Commissioner candidate forum is giving Central Oregon voters an opportunity to hear directly from those running for one of the region’s most important local positions ahead of the May 2026 election. The event brings candidates together to discuss key issues facing the county, helping voters better understand where each stands before ballots are cast.

With Deschutes County expanding its commission from three to five seats, this year’s race is expected to be especially competitive and impactful for the future of the region. Forums like this are designed to provide a nonpartisan space for discussion, encourage community engagement, and help voters make informed decisions in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal local election cycle.

 🚧 Bend Hosting Open House for New 15th & Ferguson Roundabout

The City of Bend is inviting residents to weigh in on a planned roundabout at SE 15th Street and Ferguson Road, with a pre-construction open house set for Tuesday, April 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Larkspur Community Center. The drop-in event will give community members a chance to meet the project team, ask questions, and get a preview of what to expect during construction, with an online option available as well.

The proposed single-lane roundabout is designed to improve safety and traffic flow at the busy intersection, with construction expected to begin as early as June pending final approval. The project is part of Bend’s voter-approved 2020 transportation bond and aims to support continued growth while making the area safer and more efficient for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Fire & Rescue… 

🔥 Brush Fire Along NE Studio Rd Quickly Contained — Illegal Weed Burner to Blame

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a brush fire along NE Studio Road just after 10 a.m. Thursday, where crews found a 40-foot stretch of ornamental juniper bushes burning in front of a home. The resident had attempted to control the flames with a garden hose, but wind conditions kept the fire spreading. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze and prevented it from reaching the house or nearby vegetation. No damage was reported beyond the burned brush, though the road was temporarily closed during the response.

Investigators say the fire was sparked by the homeowner using a weed burner to clear debris—something not allowed within Bend city limits, where all debris burning is prohibited. The resident received a warning for the first offense. Fire officials say the incident highlights how quickly fires can start, even after recent rain and snow, and serves as a reminder that debris burning across Central Oregon will shut down early this year, ending April 30.

🔥 Warehouse Fire at Prineville Les Schwab Quickly Contained

Fire crews responded to a structure fire Thursday afternoon at the Les Schwab warehouse on NW Madras Highway in Prineville, where flames were spotted inside the building along structural components. Crook County Fire & Rescue arrived to find an active fire and quickly went to work containing it before it could spread further.

Thanks to a rapid response, firefighters had the blaze under control within about 45 minutes, preventing major damage and avoiding any injuries. Multiple agencies assisted on scene, including Redmond Fire & Rescue and Bend Fire for coverage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

🔥 Quick Thinking Helps Save Tollgate Home from Garage Fire

A house in the Tollgate subdivision near Sisters was saved earlier this month after a fire broke out in an attached garage, sparked by a laser cutter. The homeowner quickly called 911 and used two fire extinguishers in an attempt to stop the flames before crews arrived. (The Nugget Newspaper)

Firefighters from multiple agencies responded and were able to knock down the fire before it spread into the main living area. All occupants made it out safely, though one person suffered minor burns and was treated at the scene. Officials say the fire was accidental, caused by material left unattended in the laser cutter, and are reminding residents to stay vigilant when using equipment and to always have safety measures in place. (The Nugget Newspaper)

Crime News…

 🚨 Undercover Bend Police Sting Leads to 20 Arrests in Child Exploitation Case

A months-long undercover operation by Bend Police targeting human trafficking and the exploitation of minors resulted in 20 arrests, all tied to individuals attempting to meet underage children for sex. Officers posed as minors online and interacted with more than 200 people—many cut off communication once they realized the age, but those arrested continued conversations and arranged in-person meetups, where they were taken into custody.

Police say the operation also led to additional victims coming forward, helping uncover more cases of abuse. Officials emphasized that these proactive stings will continue and are urging parents to stay involved in their children’s online activity, as predators continue to use apps and digital platforms to target vulnerable youth.

🚔 Man Arrested Weeks After Gun Pulled During Bend Bar Fight

A 25-year-old Bend man has been arrested in connection with a March altercation at Cassity’s Bar that escalated when a handgun was pulled on a victim. Police say the incident happened around 2 a.m. on March 7, when a fight broke out in the parking lot. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly pressed a gun against another person’s chest before leaving the scene.

After a weeks-long investigation, Bend Police identified Kenneth Noe Gonzalez as the suspect. He was taken into custody Thursday morning during a traffic stop near NE Butler Market Road and Florence Drive without incident. Gonzalez was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on charges of menacing and third-degree assault, while officers also carried out multiple search warrants tied to the case.

Community News…

 Regional News… 

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

Friday’s

Real Estate & Business News

Sponsored by

Central Oregon Market Report | April 15, 2026

by Reed Melton from “EnjoyBendLife Real Estate Group”

 Proof that spring in the mountains is unpredictable arrived today in the form of a winter storm warning, with snow predicted in the mountain passes. Still, our spring has been mild, and real estate activity is picking up. This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.32%, stable for the last couple of weeks. Longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner, as inventory and pending sales increase each week.

This morning in Deschutes County, inventory is up 62 from last week to 1,128. Pending sales increased five to 82, with the average pending sale price at $895,999. Twenty-nine of the pending sales reduced the asking price by an average of 4.11% before securing a buyer. Thirty-nine sales are down 26 from last week, reflecting the slowdown when rates spiked a few weeks ago. The sold-to-original-list-price ratio was 95.99% this week.

Crook County inventory is up by 10 to 211 this week. Eleven pending sales continue the trend of steady demand, down by one from last week. The average price of pending sales was $862,282, and 5 reduced the asking price by 3.58% before securing a buyer. Seven closed transactions are the same as last week, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 97.6%, up from 91.46% the previous week. This ratio varies considerably from week to week and requires a longer timeframe to be meaningful.

Jefferson County supply dropped by two, to 120 single-family listings. Supply has been slow to build, with fewer new listings and steady demand. Eleven pending sales this week are up by 5 from last week, with the average sale price at $467,008. Seven of the 11 pending sales reduced the asking price by an average of 3.49% before securing a buyer. Eight closed transactions are up by two from last week, with the sold-to-original-list-price ratio at 97.4%.

At this time of year, with new listings hitting the market daily, days on the market for active listings are decreasing, as well as the average price reduction. Looking at last year's numbers, inventory grew for another three months, leaving a lot still to come for this year. And peak inventory only opens the door to the second-busiest time of year: fall. Both buyers and sellers have a long season ahead, and while interest rates might be higher and inventory lower than expected, the year is following a similar trajectory to 2025.

Want a tailored market analysis for your neighborhood or price range? Request a custom report or schedule a consult: [email protected] 

Sign Up for the Central Oregon Market Report

Sign Up for the Central Oregon Luxury Market Report

Active Listings

 💼 New Report Highlights Central Oregon’s Largest Employers

A new report from Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is shedding light on the region’s biggest employers, offering a snapshot of the businesses driving the local economy. Topping the list once again is St. Charles Health System, employing more than 5,500 people across Central Oregon, followed by major players like Mt. Bachelor, BASX Solutions, and Bright Wood Corporation. (Cascade Business News)

The report also highlights the continued impact of industries like healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, and tech, with companies such as Les Schwab, Sunriver Resort, and Meta’s Prineville data center ranking among the largest employers. Altogether, the top 50 private employers account for more than 22,000 jobs—about one-fifth of the region’s workforce—underscoring the critical role these organizations play in Central Oregon’s growth and stability. (Cascade Business News)

🌶️ Bend’s Savory Spice Rebrands as Top Hat Spice Shop This May

A longtime favorite in Bend’s Old Mill District is entering a new chapter, as Savory Spice prepares to rebrand as Top Hat Spice Shop in May. The locally owned shop, run by Matt Perry for more than 15 years, will keep the same staff, suppliers, and high-quality spices customers know—while gaining more freedom to create unique blends and build a stronger Oregon-based identity.

The rebrand will also introduce locally inspired product names and a new online ordering system, making it easier for customers to shop and support the business. Owners say the change is less about starting over and more about evolving—keeping everything people love while adding a more local flavor and flexibility moving forward.

🏟️ Madras Event Complex Lands National Spotlight

The Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras is getting national recognition after being featured in Business View Magazine, highlighting its growth as a year-round destination and economic driver for the region. Once primarily known for hosting the county fair, the complex has evolved into a multi-use venue supporting everything from concerts and trade shows to emergency response operations. (Madras Pioneer)

Spanning more than 50 acres with dozens of buildings, the complex now draws around 100,000 visitors annually and plays a major role in the local economy. Leaders say the national feature reflects years of investment and innovation, positioning the venue—and Madras—as an increasingly important hub for events, tourism, and community gatherings in Central Oregon. (Business View Magazine)

 📣 Free Marketing Toolkit Aims to Boost Redmond Businesses & Tourism

Redmond’s tourism arm, Destination Redmond, has launched a free media toolkit designed to help local businesses strengthen their branding while promoting the city as a travel destination. The toolkit includes logos, photos, and videos that businesses can use across everything from signage and menus to stickers and business cards—all centered around Redmond’s identity as “Oregon’s base camp.”

Local leaders say the goal is to create a collaborative push between businesses and the city, making it easier to attract both tourists and visitors from surrounding communities. By giving businesses ready-to-use marketing assets, officials hope to elevate Redmond’s visibility while helping small businesses grow alongside it.

 😎Just sayin

Follow us on facebook